Oil slick removal system

ABSTRACT

Physical means for removing oil slicks from water and other surfaces utilizing chemically treated cellulosic bulk material contained in encasements of netting. The chemically treated material is hydrophobic but exhibits an affinity for oil. Oil thus gathered can be reclaimed.

United States Patent Alfred Sohnius 2 Elmhurst Road, Baltimore, Md.21210 12,685

Feb. 19, 1970 Sept. 21, 1971 Continuation-impart of application Ser. No.808,023, Mar. 17, 1969, now abandoned.

Inventor Appl. No. Filed Patented OIL SLICK REMOVAL SYSTEM 10 Claims, 8Drawing Figs.

US. Cl 210/36, 210/40, 210/242, 210/484, 210/504. 210/505, 2 l0/D1G. 21Int. Cl E02b 15/04, BOld 39/04 Field of Search 210/36, 39,

40, 242, 484, 496, 504, 505, 510, DIG. 21

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1/1945 Tymstra et a1. 210/D1G. 214/1946 Armaly 210/484 9/1951 Cremer et al. 210/504 X 5/1955 McGuffet al210/505 X 12/1962 Colby 210/505 X 3/1966 Pall et al.. 210/505 X 5/1968Pape 210/36 Primary Examiner-Samih N. Zaharna Attorney-John F.McClellan, Sr

ABSTRACT: Physical means for removing oil slicks from water and othersurfaces utilizing chemically treated cellulosie bulk material containedin encasements of netting. The chemically treated material ishydrophobic but exhibits an affinity for oil. Oil thus gathered can bereclaimed.

PATENTEU SEPZI Em 3607.741

WIND OIL *DIRECTION WIND 20 2o DIRECTION OIL 28 lNVENTOA ALFRED SOHN/USFIG. 7

A 7' TOPNE V OIL SLICK REMOVAL SYSTEM This application is acontinuation-in-part of my copending application Ser. No. 808,023 filedMar. 17,1969 for Physical and Chemical Gathering And Removal Of OilSlicks, which application is now abandoned.

This invention relates generally to combined physical and chemicalgathering systems for removal of unwanted material, and specifically toa system for removing oil from the surface of water and the like.

Property damage and decimation of wildlife and marine life due to oilslicks is a growing problem. Offshore drilling, shipwrecks and harborpollution spew vast quantities of oil into our waters. In the past, theproblem has been combated in several ways which have proven less thansatisfactory. Chemical detergents and surface active agents have beenused to disperse slicks, but they only spread the oil over a greaterarea and so create a worse condition. Such chemicals are themselvespollutants and kill microscopic marine life and fish. Physical means forgathering the oil such as skimming are not presently practical to copewith large quantities of oil, particularly in the open and rough sea.Past attempts at surrounding and containing oil have met with the sameobjection. Straw has been used to gather the oil, but is largelyineffective because the oil adheres to the straw only because of surfacetension. Even when crushed, straw exhibits little capillary action andnegligible absorption.

The present invention employs physical gathering materials which exhibitan affinity for oil but which are chemically treated to render them atthe same time hydrophobic.

An object of this invention is to provide a system for gathering oil forphysical removal from water for salvage of the oil in original,unadulterated form, or for removal and disposal of the oil by burning ifsalvage is not an object.

Another object of this invention is to provide a system for protectingbeaches, harbors, and other specific areas from oil slick damage.

A further object of this invention is to provide a material, made fromconstituents which are very widely available, for gathering pollutantson beaches, streets, in swamps, or other land or water surfaces so as toeliminate contamination and fire hazard.

These objects are accomplished through provision, in typical embodiment,of a unitary mass of pieces of finely divided, oil absorptive andadsorptive cellulosic material having integral air cells for flotation,resilient fiber content to prevent compaction of the mass, waterrepellent interspersed throughout to prevent water saturation of themass, and exterior netting to maintain coherence of the mass.

Other objects and further advantages of the invention will becomeapparent upon examination of the following description, and of thedrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a detail of the minute structure of the material of thisinvention;

FIG. 2 is an elevation of the overall shape of an element of thisinvention;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the FIG. 2 element in use removing oil fromwater;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an array of the FIG. 2 elements;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the FIG. 4 array in stored position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a further array of the FIG. 2 elements;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to that of FIG. 2 showing the use of anoptional arrangement of this invention; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a roll of matting made according to thisinvention.

Taking up the Figures in detail:

FIG. 1 is a magnified view of the basic structure of this invention. Itconsists of a cohesive aggregation of air-containing pulp-walled cells12, reinforced by interspersed fibers 14, the whole treated with waterrepellent material not indicated on the drawing.

In the preferred embodiment the pulp used is paper stock such asnewspapers, and the fiber is wood chips or excelsior.

The individual fibers are relatively long, the average fiber passingthrough a large number of cells. In manufacture, the paper stock iswetted, mixed with emulsifier and waterrepelling agents, beaten to apulpy froth by a high-speed stirrer, mixed with the fiber which has alsobeen treated with water repellent, and dried in 4-to-6 inch diameterindividual pieces, for convenience or any other sizes for particularpurposes. The dry weight proportion of the combined pulp and fiber is inthe range of to 95% pulp. Product efficiency drops off substantially ifthe range is exceeded, with loss of gathering capacity on thelow-percentage side, and loss of strength and resiliency on thehigh-percentage side.

Cellulosic material in general has good affinity for oil. The resultantgreat surface area provided by the finely divided material preparedaccording to this invention has relatively enormous oil absorbing andadsorbing capacity in relation to the weight of material used.Additionally, the material so prepared resists crushing and matting, andwill fioat in water for usefully long periods without becoming watersaturated. As will be seen, it is particularly useful for the apparatusof this invention to float high in the water for long periods.

The water repellent used has been found to afford to a surprising degreethe required combination of waterproofing of the finely dividedcellulosic material without decreasing the oil gathering capacity of thematerial. For this purpose the following materials are used in theproportions listed, in one embodiment of the invention:

Percent of total weight of repellent as applied Preferred Range,Combined percent percent percentage Silicone- 10 20-0 60 Siliconeantiwetting agents such as the dimethyl silicone fluids, of which thedimethyl polysiloxanes are examples, are preferred because they providedrelatively long flotation, but they are also relatively expensive. Above20% and below 2% of the combined weights given above, they affordrelatively little improvement.

Paraffin is cheap, widely available, and very effective for the purposesnoted. The stearate used can be any of several metallic stearates, or amixture, but calcium stearate is preferred as being of low toxicity tomarine life on decomposition. The stearates render the material of thisinvention somewhat more attractive to oil, under the conditions of useof the material.

Emulsifier, preferably oil-soluble emulsifier, is used in amountnecessary to form the required structure of the cellulosic material inmanufacture, but in less amount than would render the materialhydrophilic. An evaporative-type emulsifier permits best control of theprocess and most economical manufacture. Alkyl aryl polyether alcohol,or 3, S-dimethyl- I hexyn-3-ol have been found satisfactory for thepurpose, in the percentage range noted above.

A more economical, and under some conditions of use an equallysatisfactory water repellent for the uses of this invention is composedof paraffin and the above emulsifier alone, in the relative-weight rangeof to 98% paraffin. Depending on the type oil in a spill, efficiency ofthe material of this invention may be lower because of reduction of theformulation to the two ingredients,

In either case, the proportion of water repellent by weight as appliedis 0.5% to 5% of the combined dry weight of pulp and fiber. Less thanthis proportion allows too-rapid waterlogging of the mass, and more thanthis proportion does not appreciably improve the oil-gathering capacity.

The resultant oil-gathering material prepared and waterproofed accordingto this invention is strikingly efficient. Tests have demonstrated thata given quantity of the material will absorb 6.6 times its weight inoil. It is believed that this efficiency is unparalleled in the presentstate of the art.

Shown also in FIG. 1 are small spherical shells 16. These are optional.They can be used to add extra flotation where there is requirement forextremely long float periods. These minute shells can be of ureaformaldehyde, phenolic resins, or any other suitable plastic which willhave the strength to withstand the high-speed beating of the cellulosicmaterial during manufacture.

FIG. 2 shows a mass of the oil absorbent material of this inventiongathered and retained by netting 18, as an element 20 having acylindrical configuration. The cylindrical shape shown in FIG. 2 offersunique advantages, as will be seen.

The netting exposes the retained material and the interfaces between thepieces of material for oil gathering while retaining coherence of themass and providing for easy retrieval by grapnel. Metal netting, whichmay be of galvanized or of vinylclad iron wire, is preferred if fire maybe present, to avoid release of the oil-gathering material by burning ofthe netting. For use in other applications, plastic netting may be used,such as polypropylene or any other plastic which provides strength,resilience, resistance to deterioration, and easy disposal byincineration.

A quick attachment means such as a swiveled french snap 22 is providedat one or both ends of the cylindrical element, so that plural elementscan be assembled when required, as in FIGS. 4-6 to which reference ismade later.

FIG. 3 shows the element of FIG. 2 is use at sea gathering oil. Theelement has been placed upwind from the oil slick. It is sailing intothe oil, broadside to the wind in accordance with the natural tendencyof elongated shapes. It can be seen that with proper conditions thecylinder can roll as it proceeds, progressively presenting freshsurfaces to the oil.

FIG. 4 shows a star-shaped array 40 of elements 20 like that of FIGS. 2and 3. These are joined elements can roll, adding to the oil gatheringefficiency of the array.

FIG. 5 depicts the FIG. 4 array in storage with the elements gatheredparallel and retained in twine 24. When the twine is cut, elasticity ofthe elements will deploy them to the FIG. 4 position as they are thrownonto the surface of the oil.

A sea-anchor or drogue 28, preferably of light metal or plastic asshown, stowed in the top of the array 40 prior to deployment, andconnected to the center of the assembly by a line 30, can be used toanchor the array in an oil spill, maintaining maximum exposure forgathering oil.

FIG. 6 indicates the ease and speed with which a small boat B can beused to corral, as at 26, a heavy spill of oil which would otherwisequickly spread over and pollute a large area. Because of the lightweight of elements 20, large numbers can be carried by relatively smallcraft, and handled safely without assistance, even in rough weather.

FIG. 7 depicts another arrangement using the previously mentionedsea-anchor 28. When one or more of the elements 20 are positioned as alinear barrier to intercept oil carried by wind or tide, as inpreventing oil from reaching a beach, such an anchor is useful torestrain the elements 20 from drifting ahead of the oil slick. Inshallow water the sea-anchor, if of the rigid metallic type, acts as anordinary mushroom anchor, holding in the bottom.

The sea-anchor is preferably yoked to both ends as shown, giving theeffect of attachment intermediate the length, so that the barrier is notdrawn end-on to the oil by the anchor.

FIG. 8 shows a roll of flat matting provided according to this inventionfor carriage by fire department general emergency vehicles, for useprincipally on land to sop up petroleumproduct spills. The matting isquilted together in any required size by a network 818, which may bewire network to provide maximum resilience, and is quickly and easilydeployed onto a spill by unrolling.

After elements made according to this invention have gathered oil fromthe polluted area, they can be pressed to reclaim the oil in itsoriginal form. The exhausted elements can then be used for fuel.

Optionally, the elements can be burned without reclamation of the oil.In any case, water treated according to this invention is in no waycontaminated by the system, but is speedily and efficiently rid offloating oil contaminants.

A further feature of the FIG. 8 embodiment is indicated at 832. This isa nonabsorptive plastic or metallic coating or sheeting applied to andentirely covering one broad surface of the matting 820, which uponunrolling is the upper surface of the matting. The nonabsorptive coatingacts as a barrier to prevent capillary action from drawing up andreleasing, as fumes, spilled gasoline, kerosene, or the like, thuseffectively smothering any frame present, and in any case reducing framepossibilities. Such mats can also be thrown on floating gasoline tires.The nonabsorptive membrane used can be polyethylene or any other flameresistant material such as aluminum foil.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention arepossible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to beunderstood that within the scope of the appended claims the inventionmay be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

lclaim:

l. A system for oil slick removal from water surfaces and the like,comprising: a unitary conglomerate of free-floating oil-gathering means,said oil-gathering means including cellulosic mass means having thereinmeans for rendering said cellulosic mass means hydrophobic whilepreserving the oil gathering quality thereof, and means for containingthe cellulosic mass means; wherein the cellulosic mass means includes anaggregate of air-containing cellulose-pulp-walled chambers and aplurality of resilient cellulose fibers interspersed through saidaggregate, the average length of fibers being substantially greater thanthe average dimension across said chambers, and wherein the means forrendering the cellulosic mass means hydrophobic comprises waterrepellent commingled with coating all said walls and fibers.

2. A system for oil slick removal as recited in claim I, whereinoil-gathering means has substantially cylindrical exterior shape.

3. A system for oil slick removal as recited in claim 2, wherein themeans for containing the cellulosic mass means comprises a netting.

4. A system for oil slick removal as recited in claim 3, comprising aplurality of said oil-gathering cylinders, one end of all cylindersbeing pivotally attached proximately to a central point, and anchormeans depending from said central point.

5. A system for oil slick removal as recited in claim 3 wherein thenetting is metallic, thereby preventing the cellulosic mass means frombeing released to disperse when afire.

6. A system for oil slick removal as recited in claim 2, and a pluralityof watertight air-containing spherical shells interspersed throughoutsaid cellulosic mass means.

7. A system for oil slick removal as recited in claim 2 wherein theoil-gathering means is in the shape of fiat matting, thereby beingadapted for storage by rolling and deployment onto said oil byunrolling.

8. A system for oil slick removal as recited in claim 7 wherein onebroad surface of the flat matting is covered with a nonabsorptivemembrane.

9. A system for oil slick removal from water surfaces and the like,comprising: a unitary cylindrically shaped conglomerate of free-floatingoil-gathering means, said oil-gathering means including cellulosic massmeans comprising an aggregate of air-containing pulp-walled chambers anda plurality of resilient fibers interspersed through said aggregate, theaverage length of the fibers being substantially greater than theaverage dimension across said chambers; means for containing thecellulosic mass means; means for rendering the cellulosic mass meanshydrophobic, comprising water repellent commingled with and coating allsaid pulp walls and fibers; and anchor means effectively attachedmedianly the length of said cylinder.

10. A process of oil slick removal from water surfaces and the like,comprising the steps:

c. floating said cylindrically formed cellulosic mass means upon a saidsurface in contact with the oil thereon;

d. removing the oil-contacted cylindrically formed cellulosic mass meansfrom said surface, thereby removing the oil slick from the watersurface.

2. A system for oil slick removal as recited in claim 1, whereinoil-gathering means has substantially cylindrical exterior shape.
 3. Asystem for oil slick removal as recited in claim 2, wherein the meansfor containing the cellulosic mass means comprises a netting.
 4. Asystem for oil slick removal as recited in claim 3, comprising aplurality of said oil-gathering cylinders, one end of all cylindersbeing pivotally attached proximately to a central point, and anchormeans depending from said central point.
 5. A system for oil slickremoval as recited in claim 3 wherein the netting is metallic, therebypreventing the cellulosic mass means from being released to dispersewhen afire.
 6. A system for oil slick removal as recited in claim 2, anda plurality of watertight air-containing spherical shells interspersedthroughout said cellulosic mass means.
 7. A system for oil slick removalas recited in claim 2 wherein the oil-gathering means is in the shape offlat mAtting, thereby being adapted for storage by rolling anddeployment onto said oil by unrolling.
 8. A system for oil slick removalas recited in claim 7 wherein one broad surface of the flat matting iscovered with a nonabsorptive membrane.
 9. A system for oil slick removalfrom water surfaces and the like, comprising: a unitary cylindricallyshaped conglomerate of free-floating oil-gathering means, saidoil-gathering means including cellulosic mass means comprising anaggregate of air-containing pulp-walled chambers and a plurality ofresilient fibers interspersed through said aggregate, the average lengthof the fibers being substantially greater than the average dimensionacross said chambers; means for containing the cellulosic mass means;means for rendering the cellulosic mass means hydrophobic, comprisingwater repellent commingled with and coating all said pulp walls andfibers; and anchor means effectively attached medianly the length ofsaid cylinder.
 10. A process of oil slick removal from water surfacesand the like, comprising the steps: a. preparing a free-floating oilabsorbing cellulosic mass means having resilient-fiber-reinforcedpulp-walled air chambers therein, with water repellent commingled withand coating all said pulp walls and fibers; b. constraining saidcellulosic mass means in cylindrical form by means of netting; c.floating said cylindrically formed cellulosic mass means upon a saidsurface in contact with the oil thereon; d. removing the oil-contactedcylindrically formed cellulosic mass means from said surface, therebyremoving the oil slick from the water surface.